Only Murders In The Building's Season 4 Will Miss Tobert, But There's a Good Reason
Fans of Only Murders In The Building were surprised to see that Jesse Williams, the actor who played Tobert, won’t be returning for the upcoming season. It seemed pretty obvious that season four would take a whole new direction for the series. With that big shift, a few characters got sidelined.
After the crazy murder-mystery of season three took place in a theater, the series is set to head out west, taking us from the streets of New York City to the star-studded lands of Los Angeles! Think more Hollywood and maybe fewer glitzy broadway moments. As for those missing characters, let's just say those decisions, while heart-wrenching for us, actually make sense for the overall storyline and character growth.
Long Distance Loves Are a No Go For Mabel
Tobert was basically the main player when it came to romance in season 3! He had this pretty chill love story with Mabel, who was definitely attracted to Tobert’s documentary filmmaker vibes, as she always had some trouble getting along with people, especially romantic partners. I was really into Tobert in season 3, especially after we discovered that he didn’t have anything to do with that theater murder and became Mabel's confidante.
But if you really think about it, having a boyfriend in NYC and the main storyline taking place in LA? It’s really going to be a no-go for Mabel! I'm sure everyone can see that a romantic long-distance is not really her style and a cameo over FaceTime every couple of episodes isn’t really gonna be satisfying!
Mabel’s Romance Is Best as a Mystery Clue
Don't get me wrong, I totally love a little romantic spice in Only Murders In The Building. But we don't want the main show, the murder mystery, to be pushed to the side!
There's just not much point to those little romantic storylines unless the characters have a possible tie-in with a mystery! That is usually what the series does with those romance elements. Think back to Charles. His girlfriend in the show? Well, turns out she was actually the murder. The last one, she went on to breakup with Charles because he just can’t stop being the detective even in a romance! You see how the romance is wrapped into the mystery!
Tobert’s absence, unfortunately, isn't shocking
Tobert has been in the “missing partner” category in Season 4 but it doesn’t mean that the door’s permanently shut! There’s nothing wrong with a season-long breakup as long as it’s handled well.
The truth is, it's going to be difficult to add him in with all this Hollywood action! Maybe in future seasons. You know what could work? A season where they return to NYC - with an updated Mabel/Tobert relationship that could actually give them a good resolution. We are looking at another season in New York where this plotline would fit without being too bizarre or forced.
Keep the focus on what the show is best at: Mysteries and a trio
For this new season, it’s totally important to keep the trio going! You’ve got Mabel, Charles, and Oliver, who have some serious character growth. The most important thing is their amazing dynamic - which makes the series work and a murder-mystery to solve. You know what else will add some much-needed tension - moving their podcast to the world of film! And with so much fresh territory to cover and a new set of characters they’ll have to work with, OMITB could really blow up season four with the drama!
Can We Look Forward To More "Only Murders"?
I am wondering if Tobert is off for good. The thing about those romance plotlines is that we have seen those characters just appear and then fade away as a recurring pattern! Even in season 2 the romantic side of things had a real “meh” vibe; it wasn’t super integral to the plot and I’m sure some of you guys will be fine without those romantic elements! Maybe Mabel could actually have an authentic love story - a little more believable - with a storyline in season four, now that the show is on its most compelling trajectory!
It would have been amazing if Tobert made an appearance - I'd really love to see his personality clash with Charles! However, there's just a lot going on. So let’s give those amazing trio some space to play their story! Plus, we never know what the writers might have in store. Who knows, maybe Tobert has something cool to contribute, if they decide to give us season five! It all just goes to show how well-written OMITB really is as the writers can make even some of the saddest moments completely work for a larger story. This is one for true fans and new viewers alike, so enjoy those moments, let’s all appreciate the brilliance of the show!
